Helo,
Can a Rrampmeter be used to check stall current on a locomotive using dc? I have one of the new run Walthers non sound SW1200's that I have read has issues burning the Loksound decoder that comes in the sound versions. I would like to check the motor before I install a Soundtraxx NEXT18 deocder in it.
I understand to read amps it would have to be placed in series with my Power Pack. Just not sure which posts to use.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
SB
From the RRampmeter Manual:
"Amperage must be measured in series by connecting the left set of contacts or clip leads to the input power supply or power source while the right set of contacts or clip leads are connected to the load or isolated track section where current is to be measured (Fig 1). The RRampMeter may be connected in the reverse direction without damage, but the display will show the current used by the RRampMeter in addition to the load current (about 0.03 to 0.04 for no load) (Fig 4). The voltage display also will not account for any voltage drop in the RRampMeter itself."
In the copy of the manual I accessed from dccspecialities.wpengine.com, "Figure 1" is at such a low resolution that it's useless.
Reading the above, however, it explains that the RRampmeter is really a flow-through meter. IOW, it's already set up to measure current across a load because it has four connections instead of a typical DMM's two. This allows it to be connected in a "flow-through" arrangement from power to track, simplifying its usage greatly.
If I'm understanding correctly, you simply connect the two left terminals to the power supply, then connect the two right terminals to the load - in this case, the track. It should read in DC automatically, according to the manual.
My personal preference would be to use a cheap Harbor Freight meter for measuring DC current. Measuring current is a good way to blow the fuse on some DMMs. I've blown the fuse out on my Fluke a couple of times, simply because I wanted the precision of the lower measurement choice, but the amperage ended up exceeding expectations. It says the RRampmeter is good for 10 Amps, but doesn't explain what may happen if you exceed that accidentally.
blabrideI understand to read amps it would have to be placed in series with my Power Pack. Just not sure which posts to use.
the RRampMeter comes with 4 probes, 2 for each side.
connect 2 to the power supply and 2 to the track
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
Thanks for the answers and the help guy's. In the AM i will try the ramp meter on a lower setting on my transformer with a known entity then I think I will try my Multi Meter on the 5 amp setting just to compare the results. I can let you know how it goes tomorrow.
Finnaly had time to test my new Walthers Proto SW1200 non sound for amp load. The stall current was only .24 amps. So at least with mine the fried loksound decoder issues people are having with this particular loco would not have been motor related. Time to put the Soundtraxx decoder and Scalesounds Speaker in.
I have a different question regarding the rampmeter. I have 6 of them permanently placed between the boosters and the track buss so I can measure the load on the boosters. I recently had one go dark on me but ther trains were still moving fine on that section . Tapping the face plate brought the displays back on. It has happened twice since then. Any ideas where to look for a cold solder connection on the back side ? --- Ken
KemacPrrAny ideas where to look for a cold solder connection on the back side ?
If I'm not mistaked the RR Amp Meter is a product of RR Specialties which is a part of Tony's Train Exchange. Why don't you send them an email with this question and see if they have a suggestion?
https://tonystrains.com/product/dcc-specialties-rrampmeter-ii
Email: info@tonystrains.com
Good Luck, Ed
blabridethe fried loksound decoder issues
It was a defective or counterfeit component on the ESU board. Your current measurment is typical of current DCC locos.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley